The grand American Full Classics of the 1930s have always been extraordinarily rare in Europe, where domestic beauties always ruled the road. The exception was Packard, who enjoyed a flourishing export business for much of its history and whose automobiles continue to be well-respected on the Continent to this day.

The 1937 Super Eight Convertible Victoria shown here is the 103rd built in this style and, importantly, is wonderfully authentic, including its original vehicle number plate on the firewall, which assures that it was originally sold with this desirable open coachwork. It was sold new on June 15, 1937, by the Packard dealer in the suburban New York town of Haverstraw. By 1946, however, it had already made its way across the Atlantic to Genoa, Italy, where it was used by the American Vice-Consul there, Leonard G. Bradford, a native of Boston, Massachusetts.

In 1964, the car was acquired from Mr Bradford by its present owner’s father, early enthusiast and rally driver Michel Grosgogeat. It has remained with their family for the last 52 years. It was repainted many years ago in the present elegant green and was fitted with a new top around the same time period. The interior is wonderfully original and “broken-in”, and the car is equipped with wonderful accessories throughout, including European yellow-lensed driving lights, as well as dual side-mounted spare tires with metal covers and mirrors.

Documented by the 1946 Italian title in Mr Bradford’s name, this very original, honest car remains a great driver and would be an irrepressible way to tour Europe, just as its former American caretaker enjoyed it decades ago.